Hazard and Risk Analyst

NIWA is a dynamic research organisation whose purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand’s aquatic resources and environments, to provide understanding of climate and the atmosphere and increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders. Our activities in natural hazards include hazard and risk modelling (primarily weather and coastal-related hazards including tsunami and climate change), hazard/risk forecasting and risk analysis tool development to support decision-making in a variety of sectors including local government, infrastructure, disaster risk reduction and climate-change adaptation.

We are seeking an accomplished and enthusiastic applied scientist or research-oriented practitioner to join a multi-disciplinary applied research effort aimed at understanding the impacts of disasters on communities, improving risk management and enhancing community preparedness, response and recovery from various hazard events. This involves development and application of methods and tools that allow the assessment of impacts from multiple hazards, including quantifying hazard impacts on built environments, communities, public services, business, people and primary production. A significant emphasis is on meeting end-user requirements for high quality information, advice and services for managing weather, climate and coastal-related natural hazard risks in New Zealand and the Pacific region. The role may occasionally involve extended field trips to survey damage and gather risk information following a significant event.

Candidates should be a Scientist or Hazard/Risk Analyst or chartered Professional Engineer, with a post-graduate degree in geosciences, engineering, atmospheric sciences or disaster management. At least 5 years post-graduate experience is desirable in natural hazard risk assessment and loss modelling (preferably multi-hazard, focused on weather-related and tsunami hazards), as well as knowledge of natural hazard and risk reduction activities in New Zealand and the Pacific region.

In addition, you should also have experience with local authorities, emergency management and insurance sectors and be able to demonstrate their knowledge of how risk information can support decision-making in these sectors. A high level of computer literacy is required with GIS and data analysis skills. The ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences is essential. Candidates will also show initiative, be self-motivated, well organised and be able to work within and lead multi-disciplinary project teams. They should be adept at developing and maintaining relationships with professional partners, stakeholders and customers.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of natural hazard risk research and modelling tools for use both in New Zealand and internationally.